Media Release

Date: May 9, 2012- For Immediate Release

To: Media
Board of Directors- NRSC
City of Brooks Council
County of Newell Council
Village of Tilley Council
Village of Rosemary Council

From: Ralph Havinga C.Tech
General Manager
Newell Regional Services Corporation

Subject: Change of Water Treatment Process from Chlorine to Chloramines

Newell Regional Services Corporation wish to inform the public in the City of Brooks and County of Newell residents of Lake Newell Resort, Rainier, Scandia, Rolling Hills, Patricia and the Villages of Tilley and Rosemary; that a change to the water treatment process will soon occur.

Currently within the water distribution systems in the communities highlighted above; residual disinfection is provided by free chlorine. Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) will be implementing a change to a combined chlorine and ammonia (chloramine) residual as part of the Regional Water Treatment Plant process. The need for the more resilient combined residual that is a more stable disinfectant will arise as the regional system has expanded to include additional communities. The changeover will occur as part of the final phase of construction of the project, during the month of June, 2012.

Chloramines are currently being used successfully to disinfect water throughout North America. In Alberta, the communities of Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Red Deer are currently using chloramines to provide residual disinfection within their respective water distribution systems. Although Newell Regional Services Corporation does not supply water to as large a population, the distance for transmission of water is comparable in size to that of a large city, thus the requirement for a more resilient residual disinfection.

With the change from a free chlorine residual to a chloramine residual, it is important for consumers to note that:

The safety of the public is held in the highest regard by Newell Regional Services Corporation. At no time will safety be compromised. We have retained experts in the field of water treatment in order to ensure all Provincial standards are either met or exceeded. Alberta Environment has approved the use of chloramines in other cities with no adverse effects. Newell Regional Services Corporation will adhere to the strict continual monitoring and sampling requirements of Alberta Environment to ensure the safety of the potable water supply for all customers.

Testing of the system will occur during the last week of May, 2012.

Chloraminated water will be introduced into all distribution systems beginning the 4th of June. Residents may notice an increase in the taste and odour of chlorine during the testing phase but will diminish within days.

For further information see our web site at: www.nrsc.ca

or please call:

Ralph Havinga C.Tech: 403-794-4000
General Manager
Newell Regional Services Corporation

At a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Newell Regional Services Corporation held Thursday, October 27, 2011; Directors elected a new Board Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

Mr. Clarence Amulung was elected as Chairman of the Board and Mr. Bill Prentice was elected as Vice-Chairman.

The Board of Directors and Management heartfully thank Past-Chairman, Mr. Ike Schroeder for his efforts in leadership to the Board and the Corporation. Mr. Schroeder has been instrumental in providing leadership in the Regional Water concept, for many years. Long before incorporation and well before the projects actually began, Mr. Schroeder was a part of the vision and concept that has brought a modern, efficient and sustainable system to the region. Mr. Schroeder remains a Director of the Board and has decided to step down as Chairman, as the Corporation moves into a new phase of its life.

The Board of Directors and Management also express gratitude to Mr. Noel Moriyama for his expertise and guidance in the role as Vice-Chairman. Mr. Moriyama had a historical background in the Regional concept as Administrator of both the City of Brooks and the County of Newell. His experience also served to provide guidance and direction in the past. Mr. Moriyama also remains on the Board as a Director.

Mr. Amulung and Mr. Prentice both bring to the Board, a wealth of knowledge in business and the water industry. The Board of Directors and Management look forward to future direction and leadership and have confidence that the future of environmental compliance and a sustainable system remains a goal of the Board of Directors.

Please contact Ralph Havinga, General Manager of Newell Regional Services Corporation (403-794-4000) if you require further information.

The City of Brooks and Newell Regional Services Corporation announce a change to the method of billing and the receiving of funds payable for water purchased at area truck fills.

Beginning June 1, 2011, all truck fill accounts (commercial and residential) will be transferred to Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC). PIN numbers will remain the same and new PIN number or new account requests will be issued by NRSC.

Commencing July 1, all water haulers will be billed for water purchased at any truck fill in the NRSC service area by NRSC. This will include truck fills at the NRSC water treatment plant – 330 Canal St (formerly the City of Brooks water treament plant) and newly constructed facilities in Rainier, Scandia and Rolling Hills. Coin box purchases will not be available in Rainier, Scandia or Rolling Hills but will still be available at the water treatment plant. Truck fills located in Tilley, Patricia, Duchess and Bassano will not be affected at this time. Upon receiving an invoice from NRSC for purchased water, payments may be made at your financial institution, in person, by telephone banking, or on-line. Payments may also be mailed to NRSC at the address indicated on the invoice.

Unfortunately, payments may not be made directly, in person at the office of NRSC or the water treatment plant. Truck fill water rates will be set by each municipality. For further information please contact 403-794-4000 or visit our web page at www.nrsc.ca.

SANDRA M. STANWAY
Brooks Bulletin

Water delivery by the Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) to community water treatment plants has increased two-cents to 42-cents a cubic metre effective Jan. 1, 2011. The increase is to a community’s water delivery systems. It is up to communities to decide their own delivery rate to the customer.

When the 2010 budget was developed in 2009 it was done blind with no history and no definite future.

“There were a lot of unknowns,” said NRSC general manager Ralph Havinga. Those unknowns included when and what would be hooked up to the transmission mains, when mains would be finished, when the old water facility would be completed, whether or not they would be taken over as assets and whether the corporation would be operating the plant on behalf of an individual community.

The water corporation moved the head office into the new water treatment plant on Oct. 2, 2010 which also adds costs.

“NRSC really operates on a cost recovery not for profit basis. Cost recovery includes an anticipated value for future additions to the plant,” he said.

Future additions could include the installation of dissolve airflow equipment and a million dollar membrane.

While the airflow equipment is contingent on future Alberta Environment regulations on the quality of raw water, the likelihood of installing a new membrane is just five to eights years away depending on users.

“That depends on how many people get hooked up and how the people actually use the water,” he said.

Since NRSC became an official corporation just two years ago, it began with no money, building itself with municipal partnerships by the City of Brooks, County of Newell, Tilley, Duchess, Rosemary and Bassano.

“Instead of a cheque we write preferred shares,” he said. Last week the county turned over two vehicles valued at just over $73,000 to NRSC. Those shares will be issued later in the month.

On Jan. 13 the old water treatment plant, pumphouse and raw water line will be turned over to the water corporation by the City of Brooks.

The result is a municipally-owned corporation governed by a board of community representatives. The city and the county have two board members because of their size and each own 20 common shares. The other municipalities own 10 common shares with one board member.

The corporation is subject to the rules and regulations of the Municipal Government Act and the Business Incorporations Act.

“Those two acts really govern our behaviour,” he said. Like so many partnerships recognized within the city and county, NRSC’s partnership earned a spread in a recent edition of the Canadian Business News magazine.

For Havinga the recognition for the newly formed corporation is significant. “It says that this corporation is making a significant impact to this region business-wise, environment-wise and efficiency-wise and that this was a very, very good project to proceed with,” he added. “Our goal is to make water and the service delivery of water, one of the most efficient and reliable utilities,” he said.

The impacts that piped potable water delivery will have to the area are endless but they start with an increase in residents and economic development.

As the corporation develops and increases, efficiency will be first and foremost for the board. “The use of water in the whole country is becoming a significant factor and water rights start to have more significance to people, thus the reason for promoting conservation,” he said. While water conservation is important the reality is that as the area develops more water and possibly water licences will be needed.

“Where are all these people going to get water? That’s our question. They (Alberta Environment) will answer it for us,” he said.

“If water licences become a commodity like the stock market, I guess we will be buying licences,” he said.

As the water program developed there have been glitches including broken water lines and the water plant itself.

Last May a clogged filter in the plant caused a problem that was corrected, broken lines have occurred throughout construction, right up until a broken line just before the end of 2010 at Alcoma School. But as glitches occur Havinga said, water workers become more familiar with emergencies and how to handle them.

“How to deal with an emergency is as important as day to day operations. We are prepared and getting more prepared,” he said.

In 2011 the board will develop an emergency response plan. “We have the basis of what to do and what we need to formulate into our NRSC plan,” he said. This year the board will work on a five year business plan now that are starting to gather a history and know the assets.

The year will also see the completion of water pipelines. Though it will be later in the year than originally planned due to last year’s bankruptcy and construction problems, Havinga said the work will be done.

“Projects are coming fairly well. We’re a little bit off on the timing right now,” he said. “Other than that I thought the year was fairly good for Newell Regional Service Corporation,” he said. The pipelines to Tilley, Rolling Hills, Rainier and Scandia and the pipeline through Brooks are basically finished and ready to carry water.

The pipeline to Rosemary and Patricia should be finished no later than mid-March and ready for pressure testing.

“The last part of this project will be the upgrades to Patricia and Rosemary and hopefully that will be done by the middle to end of summer this year,” he added.

When that is done it will be time to take a look into the future. By the end of January, any county resident who wants on the county waterline must have made a $1,000 deposit at the county office.

Last week county councillors looked at the water project.

Councillors and engineers met for about five hours to go through all the questions they have heard from residents.

This week the county is expected to mail out a question and answer sheet to all county residents. Included in that will be costs, questions about hook up, the general timeline and how the first serviced area will be determined.

Another project that will be looked at is the extension of the pipelines from Rosemary to Bassano and the upgrades to the Bassano Water Treatment Plant which are not being done immediately. The Town of Bassano has applied to the province to extend the original water grant for an extension of the pipeline.

“It could be three to eight years away,” he said.

Newell Regional Services Corporation

Media Release
Date: March 18, 2010

To: Media

From: Ralph Havinga C.E.T.
General Manager
Newell Regional Services Corporation

Subject: Water to Tilley- Boil Water Order is Removed!

Newell Regional Services Corporation and The Village of Tilley are pleased to announce the removal of a Boil Water Order issued by Alberta Health Services on November 8, 2006.

Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) was formed to provide water treatment and water distribution operation and maintenance services to member municipalities; consisting of the City of Brooks, the County of Newell No. 4, (for the Hamlets of Lake Newell Resort, Rainier, Scandia, Rolling Hills and Patricia) the Town of Bassano, the Villages of Duchess, Rosemary and Tilley.

The project consists of upgrades and expansion of the Brooks Water Treatment Plant and water transmission mains to each of the member municipalities from the Water Treatment Plant in Brooks. The total cost of the project was estimated to be $45,000,000.00 Under the Water for Life Program, the Province of Alberta provided a grant totaling $37,000,000.00 with the City of Brooks and County of Newell No.4 providing the balance of the funds.

The Water Treatment Plant and each of the transmission mains are under construction, with the transmission main to the Village of Tilley being completed and ready for use.

After extensive water quality sampling, and review of the test results; Alberta Health Services has removed the Boil Water Order.

-more-

Please join us on Monday, March 22, 2010 at 3:30 p.m. in the Village of Tilley at the Village Office.

The Mayor of Tilley, Mr. John Timko and the Chairman of the Board of Newell Regional Services Corporation, Mr. Ike Schroeder; will join together to celebrate the removal of the Boil Water Order and the return to a normal life style enjoyed by most other residents within the County of Newell No. 4 and the Province of Alberta.

For further information, please contact:
Ralph Havinga C.E.T. 403-362-3333 ext 259
General Manager
Newell Regional Services Corporation

February 3, 2010

Notice to Residents of Tilley

Newell Regional Services Corporation and the Village of Tilley wish to provide you with the following information concerning the water supply in the Village of Tilley.
On February 2, 2010, water was flowing into the storage reservoir from the water transmission main and the Brooks Water Treatment Plant. Water sampling and testing has to occur before water can flow into the distribution pumphouse. Once water is in the clearwell of the distribution pumphouse; testing and sampling has to occur before water can be pumped into the Village distribution system. Once water is flowing through the distribution system, there is a requirement for sampling water at various points in the Village. All of the testing and sampling are requirements of Alberta Environment and Alberta Health Services as well as Newell Regional Services. The reason for the extensive testing and sampling is to protect the health of all residents.

At this time it would be appropriate for the residents of the Village of Tilley to take the following steps:

1) Flush all water fixtures for 2 minutes
2) Drain and refill hot water heaters set below 45deg C (normal setting is 60 deg C). This can be accomplished by turning off the cold water supply to the water heater. Attach a garden hose to the drain faucet located at the bottom of the hot water heater. If there is a floor drain, in your basement, ensure the garden hose is located such that water will drain into the floor drain. If there is not a floor drain, water from the hot water heater can be drained into a pail, then poured down any sink in your house. Once the water is drained from the hot water heater, close the drain valve and open the cold water supply valve. Hot water will be available once the water has been reheated.
3) Run water softeners through a regeneration cycle
4) Drain all cisterns and flush with clean water
5) Drain and flush the ice-making system in your refrigerator

Newell Regional Services will be in consultation with Alberta Health Services during this process and residents will be informed when the Boil Water Order is removed and water is safe for consumption and use.

Newell Regional Services Corporation thanks all residents for your patience and cooperation and are very pleased to work with your Mayor and Council in providing you with a clean, safe and healthy water supply.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact our office at 403-362-3333

Ralph Havinga C.E.T.
General Manager
Newell Regional Services Corporation.

The City of Brooks and Newell Regional Services Corporation wish to inform the public in the City of Brooks and County of Newell residents of Lake Newell Resort, Rainier, Scandia, Rolling Hills, and Tilley; of a change to the water treatment process.
Currently within the water distribution systems in the communities highlighted above; residual disinfection is provided by free chlorine. The City of Brooks and Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) will be implementing a change to a combined chlorine and ammonia (chloramine) residual as part of the Regional Water Treatment Plant project. The need for the more resilient combined residual will arise as the regional system is expanded to include additional communities of Patricia, Duchess, Rosemary and Bassano, in the future.

The changeover will occur as part of the final phase of construction of the project, during the mid to latter part of 2010.
Chloramines are currently being used successfully to disinfect water throughout North America. In Alberta the communities of Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Red Deer are currently using chloramines to provide residual disinfection within their respective water distribution systems. Although Newell Regional Services Corporation does not supply water to as large a population, the distance for transmission of water is comparable in size to that of a large city, thus the requirement for a more resilient residual disinfection.
With the change from a free chlorine residual to a chloramine residual, it is important for consumers to note that:
-more-
• Above all, water treated with chloramines is safe for drinking, washing, bathing and other household use.
• Chloramine residual must also be removed from the water prior to use in kidney dialysis machines. Alberta Health Services- Palliser; is aware of this change and will take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of all patients. Contact your physician for more information.
• Aquarium owners should install a filter to remove the chloramine residual from tank water due to potential toxicity to some species of fish. A typical granular activated carbon filter, available at any pet store will remove the chloramine residual from the water.
The safety of the public is held in the highest regard by The City of Brooks and Newell Regional Services Corporation. At no time will safety be compromised. We have retained experts in the field of water treatment in order to ensure all Provincial standards are either met or exceeded. Alberta Environment has approved the use of chloramines in other cities with no adverse effects. Newell Regional Services Corporation will adhere to the strict continual monitoring and sampling requirements of Alberta Environment to ensure the safety of the potable water supply for all customers.
As the project progresses; further information will be forthcoming.

For further information please call:
Ralph Havinga C.E.T. 403-362-3333 ext 259
General Manager
Newell Regional Services Corporation

What are Chloramines? Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and a small amount of ammonia. The recommended maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) in Canadian Drinking Water Standards is 3mg/l.

Are chloramines new? No. Many cities in the U. S. and Canada have used chloramines for decades. Actually the City of Lethbridge, the City of Red Deer and the City of Edmonton are presently using chloramines as a disinfectant.

Are Chloramines Safe? Yes. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) accepts chloramines as a disinfectant and as a way to avoid formation of known carcinogens in the trihalomethane family of compounds. Chloraminated water is safe for bathing, drinking, cooking and all uses we have for potable water every day. However, there are two groups of people who need to take special care with chloraminated water: kidney dialysis patients and tropical fish owners.

What are trihalomethanes (THMs)? THMs are some of the chemical compounds that are formed when chlorine mixes with naturally occurring organics in water. The USEPA has determined some THMs to be carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) for people.

What are the Health Risks? Although Chloramines are nontoxic to healthy people, they can have a weakening effect on individuals with kidney disease who must undergo dialysis. Chloramines must be removed from the water used in dialysis treatments.
Also, Chloramines can be deadly for fish. They can damage gill tissue and enter the red blood cells causing a sudden and sever blood disorder. For this reason all Chloramine compounds must be removed from the water prior to any contact with fish.

What special precautions should kidney dialysis patients take? Kidney dialysis patients can safely drink, cook, and bathe in chloraminated water. However, chloramines must be removed from the water used in kidney dialysis machines. Dialysis systems already pre-treat their source water to remove chlorine. However, some modifications will be necessary to remove the chloramines. Home dialysis service companies can usually make the needed modifications, but you should check with your physician to be certain.
All medical facilities that perform kidney dialysis have been notified of this change to chloraminated water treatment. According to the ESRD [End Stage Renal Disease] federal regulations, these facilities are responsible for purifying the water that enters the dialysis machines.

[b]Does bottled water have chloramine? [/b] Normally it does not. Bottled water could contain chloramine if the company uses water supplied by Newell Regional Services Corporation as its water source.

Can pregnant women and children drink chloraminated water? Yes. Everyone can drink water that contains chloramines.
Can you safely wash an open wound with chloraminated water? Yes. It is safe to use chloraminated water in cleaning an open wound because virtually no water actually enters the bloodstream that way.

Why use Chloramines instead of Chlorine? Chloramine is more chemically stable than chlorine and lasts longer in the local water distribution system than chlorine.

Should I stop drinking the water? No, it is very important to maintain fluid intake of approximately 2 liters per day. Everyone can drink water that contains chloramines.

Will chloramines affect your swimming pool? No. You will still need free chlorine residual to retard algae and bacteria growths. Contact your local pool supply stores for specific information.

Do home water purifiers remove chloramines? Most home purifiers are not designed to remove chloramines. Consult your manufacturer for specific information. NOTE: High quality granular activated carbon filters may remove chloramines provided sufficient contact time is permitted.

What can be expected during the disinfectant conversion from chlorine to chloramines? You may not notice any change to taste, odour or colour.

What are my options to reduce the Chloramines in my water? If you want to reduce the amount of Chloramines in your water, a granular activated carbon filter or ascorbic acid are common substances to reduce Chloramine residuals.

If chloramine is such an effective disinfectant, why is it not used in every community? While the public often considers all drinking water to be the same, the local raw water and water distribution conditions determine the best option for each particular community. Both chlorine and chloramine have their own advantages and disadvantages. Given sufficient contact time, chloramine is as effective as chlorine in destroying bacteria. While chlorine works more quickly, it does not last as long in the water as chloramine.
Does using chloramine increase the cost of water? No. The cost of using chloramine is about the same as using chlorine.
Can you safely water plants, vegetables or fruit and trees? Yes. The small amount of chloramines in the water supply will have no effect on plants of any type.

If chloramines are harmful to fish, how can people safely drink the water? Chloraminated water is no different than chlorinated water for all of the normal uses we have for potable water, including drinking. The digestive process neutralizes the chloramines before they reach the bloodstream. However, fish absorb chloramines directly into their bloodstreams through their gills, which can be fatal.
What special precautions should fish owners take? Chloramines must be removed from any water to be used for fish tanks or ponds. Chloramines are toxic to saltwater and freshwater fish, reptiles that live in water, turtles and amphibians, and must be removed. This includes lobster tanks at grocery stores and restaurants as well as fish containers at bait shops. You may not have had to remove chlorine from your aquarium water because it dissipates (evaporates) rapidly on its own. This is not the case with chloramines and specific steps must be taken for their removal.
Chloramines can be removed from the water by using a water conditioner specifically designed to remove chloramines or by using a granular activated carbon filter. Your pet supplier should be able to provide any further guidance you may need on these products.
Ammonia can be toxic to fish. Although all fish produce some ammonia as a natural by-product, ammonia is also released when chloramines are chemically removed. Some ammonia levels may be tolerable in individual tanks or ponds for short periods of time; however, commercial products are available at pet supply stores to remove excess ammonia. Biological filters, natural zeolites, and pH control methods are also effective in reducing the toxic effects of ammonia.
Where can I get more information?

You can get more information about Chloramines at the Health Canada website http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca or contact Newell Regional Services Corporation.

For more information please visit these websites:

http://environment.alberta.ca/apps/RegulatedDWQ/Faqs.aspx#FAQ4

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/drink-potab/guide/index-eng.php

(http://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Water/Public_Drinking/Chloramines.htm)

(http://www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/chloramines-faq.htm#Dialysis)
http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/water/wq/facts/questions_en.html#P18_1134

(http://www.freeh2otesting.com/chloramination.htm)

Chloramines in Drinking Water
Chloramines are one of the disinfectants used in drinking water. They are used to control bacterial growth and regrowth, taste and odour problems in drinking water. Chloramines help to deliver drinking water to you that is safe to drink, with the lowest possible levels of trihalomethanes (THMs).

by Ralph Havinga C.E.T, General Manager NRSC

There is a lot of work to report about the Regional Services Water Project for the early part of 2009. At Newell Regional Services Corporation, we are excited about the progress that has been made. The water transmission main to Tilley is on schedule and there are now two installation crews working towards each other to the half-way point between Brooks and Tilley. Please watch for information concerning a public meeting in early April in Tilley to outline the connection project and the timing of availability of potable water.

A contract for the installation of the pipeline to Rainier, Scandia, and Rolling Hills will be available for contractor pricing on March 23, 2009 with bid opening on April 23, 2009. Concurrently, there will be a contract for the tie in of the transmission mains to the various treatment plants in each community south of Brooks which will also include the de-commissioning of the various water treatment plants. The completion of those projects will come together in late 2009.

The most exciting part of the project is about to begin. The Council of the City of Brooks has awarded the contract for the re-construction of the City of Brooks, Water Treatment Plant to NAC Constructors of Kelowna, B.C. Work on the plant is about to begin. When completed in late 2010, the new water treatment plant will be the most modern and up-to-date water treatment plant in Alberta.

Since design work and engineering has been almost completed on projects to the south of Brooks, we will turn our attention to projects to the north. The first pipeline contract will be installed from the Water Treatment Plant to the north-west city limits. Location of the pipeline crossing TCH and north to Duchess has not yet been finalized, but the surveyors are ready to survey the alignment, when the final decision has been made.

It still appears that all projects will be complete by the end of 2010. At that time, water from the treatment plant in Brooks will be serving residents in Tilley, Lake Newell Resort, Rainier, Scandia, Rolling Hills, Patricia and Rosemary. Duchess and Bassano will also be connecting to the transmission main in the future. Other individuals, farmers and groups will also be connecting to the transmission main.

The Province of Alberta has been instrumental in proceeding with these projects through the provision of grant funding and the regional water system could not happen without that funding. Newell Regional Services is proud to be a part of this and looking forward to providing residents with potable water and other related services.

For more information, please contact Ralph Havinga (C.E.T.), General Manager of the Newell Regional Services Corporation at (403) 362-3333.